I've Had 15 Years to Think About a Possible Lizzie McGuire Movie Sequel and I Have Some Ideas
EntertainmentThe Lizzie McGuire Movie turned 15 on May 2, but don’t talk to Hilary Duff about it. Talk to me, a human woman who was 11 years old in 2003 when the movie was released. I’ve been obsessed with it ever since and had 15 years to consider how its nonexistent sequel might play out. Follow me.
In terms of plot, The Lizzie McGuire Movie suspended itself from real-life teen girl narratives that drove the success of the television show that came before it (who could forget the “I want a BRA!” episode), with few exceptions (who could forget the episode where a still-sweet Aaron Carter fell in love with our dear Duff, who portrayed McGuire). For that reason, both were awesome, but the movie exuded new excitement for McGuire-heads with its plot—essentially, our beloved crew sans Miranda Sanchez (Lizzie’s BFF and one of the few people of color on the show) embark on a junior high graduation trip to Rome, because that is a completely normal thing to do after middle school.
Anyway, they go, they’re seeing the sites, they’re eating the food, they’re riding Vespas, and then, suddenly, a very hot Italian child and also pop star named Paolo literally runs into Lizzie at the Trevi Fountain, mistaking her for a newly blond Isabella—his singing partner. They’re perfect doppelgängers. Lizzie’s like, what, who are you, dreamboat man? Paolo tells Lizzie to join him to impersonate Isabella at a big concert because she’s sick or quit the band or something—I don’t know, it’s been 15 years. Eventually, Lizzie finds out he’s a bad guy, but only with the help of Gordo, her other BFF that is not Miranda and with whom she’s had a tweenage will-they-won’t-they vibe with since the beginning of the franchise. G saves the day, Lizzie sings at the Coliseum and—boy howdy, bet you didn’t see this one coming—kisses Gordo!!! We’ve waited years for it!!!